Squatters Full Suspension Pale Ale
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Tasting Notes
This is a lighter-bodied American Pale Ale that leads with moderate hop aroma — expect citrus and light floral notes rather than aggressive resin. The flavor follows suit with a gentle bitterness balanced against pale malt sweetness, keeping things measured rather than bold. At 4% ABV, which sits on the lower end for the style, the body is lean and the finish is clean with just enough hop dryness to close it out. If you're familiar with the style, think restrained rather than punchy — this reads more as a session-friendly take on the APA format.
About the Brewery
Squatters is a Salt Lake City, Utah-based brewpub operation that has been part of the local craft scene since 1989, making it one of Utah's pioneering craft beer establishments. They operate under the Utah Brewers Cooperative alongside Wasatch Brewery and distribute widely within the state. Their lineup tends toward approachable, broadly appealing styles, which reflects both their brewpub origins and the particular demands of Utah's regulatory environment around alcohol.
Food Pairings
The moderate bitterness and lighter body here work well with fish tacos, where the hop character cuts through fried coating without overwhelming the fish. A grilled chicken sandwich pairs naturally because the malt backbone complements the savory char without competing. Mild cheddar or jack cheese on a burger keeps the pairing in balance since neither dominates the other. The beer's restrained hop profile also makes it a reasonable match for lightly spiced dishes like a simple green curry, where a more aggressively bitter beer might clash with the aromatics.
Style Guide
American Pale Ale emerged from the early American craft brewing movement in the 1980s, largely shaped by Sierra Nevada's flagship pale ale, and distinguishes itself from its British counterpart through the use of American hop varieties that contribute citrus, pine, and floral character over the earthy, grassy notes typical of English hops. The style generally runs between 4.5% and 6% ABV with a medium-light to medium body, landing it between a session ale and an IPA on the intensity spectrum. What separates it from an American IPA is degree — APAs carry noticeable but not dominant bitterness, with malt playing a real supporting role rather than serving purely as a backdrop for hops.